Husseini, Joke Silva advocate professionalism, innovation at NFVCB Masterclass
By Godwin Okondo
THE National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has launched its maiden Masterclass Series, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s creative industry and a platform to equip filmmakers and other stakeholders with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Speaking at the opening of the event held on Monday at the Agip Recital Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, said the masterclass was conceived in response to requests made by participants at the fifth PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference, who sought a more practical platform to deepen discussions on key issues affecting the industry.
Husseini said the creative industry was changing at an unprecedented pace, with artificial intelligence, streaming platforms and emerging digital business models reshaping how content is produced, distributed and monetised.
According to him, “In such an environment, talent alone is no longer enough. Success today demands continuous learning, adaptability, professionalism, and an understanding of both the creative and business dimensions of our industry. That is why the National Film and Video Censors Board has established this Masterclass Series.”
Accordingly, he said the board’s responsibility extends beyond content classification and regulatory compliance to encouraging professional excellence, strengthening industry knowledge and creating opportunities for stakeholders to acquire relevant skills.
“This Masterclass therefore represents an investment in people,” he said. “Indeed, for us at NFVCB, this event is not just an investment in knowledge but we consider it more as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s creative industry.”
Husseini explained that the programme was built around three key pillars: understanding the legal framework for protecting creativity and intellectual property, developing sustainable business models for the creative economy, and achieving production excellence.
“Today’s conversations are about helping creatives to create professionally, protect their work, and profit sustainably,” he added, and also expressed appreciation to the resource persons, including Sandra Oyewole, Adetutu Laditan and Femi Odugbemi, as well as the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for supporting the initiative. He further acknowledged the collaboration of CcHUB and Ojis Production Studios Limited in making the inaugural masterclass possible.
Looking ahead to the sixth edition of the PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference, themed “Film and Content Production in the Digital Era: Balancing Regulation and Innovation,” Husseini said regulation and innovation should be viewed as complementary forces necessary for sustainable growth and global competitiveness and not as opposing forces.
Delivering the keynote address after Husseini’s welcome remarks, veteran actress and filmmaker Joke Silva praised NFVCB for shifting industry conversations from repeatedly identifying problems to developing practical solutions through capacity building.
Speaking on the theme of professionalism, innovation and sustainability, Silva described the three principles as the foundation upon which the future of Nigeria’s creative industry must be built. She said professionalism builds trust and transforms creative talent into a respected and commercially viable industry, stressing that honouring contracts, meeting production deadlines, maintaining transparent financial practices, protecting intellectual property rights and strengthening guilds and professional associations were essential standards for the industry’s growth.
Joke Silva (left) giving appreciation award to intellectual property lawyer, Sandra Oyewole, who handled IP session during the Masterclass
Silva warned that the absence of such standards discourages international investment, weakens distribution opportunities and fuels piracy. She also urged practitioners to maintain clear professional boundaries, noting that conflicts of interest often arise when industry stakeholders simultaneously function in multiple roles (same person servng as actor, producer and director in one project) without separating their responsibilities. This practice, she said, muddles up professionalism an creates conflicts.
Highlighting innovation, she pointed to Nollywood’s evolution from direct-to-video distribution to global streaming platforms, while also citing the international success of Afrobeats, digital content creation, animation, gaming and emerging technologies as evidence of Nigeria’s expanding creative influence. She noted that digital platforms now offer creators new opportunities to monetise their work through streaming services, social media, subscription platforms, NFTs and other emerging business models.
On sustainability, Silva called for stronger long-term structures to support future generations of creatives through fair remuneration, mentorship programmes, improved working conditions, institutional funding, effective regulation and environmentally responsible production practices. She said sustainable growth would depend on diversified revenue streams and resilient institutions capable of adapting to changing market realities.
The veteran actress concluded by saying that professionalism, innovation and sustainability are mutually reinforcing principles that will strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy, attract investment and secure long-term benefits for future generations before formally declaring the NFVCB Masterclass Series 2026 open.
